Earth, Atmosphere & Environment Sciences
Title : | Redox condition, paleo-oceanography and carbon cycling in the Jurassic Ocean: Clues from trace element geochemistry, C-O isotope studies of Carbonate Formations of Jaisalmer Basin, Western Rajasthan, India |
Area of research : | Earth, Atmosphere & Environment Sciences |
Principal Investigator : | Dr. Faiz Ahmad, Pondicherry University |
Timeline Start Year : | 2023 |
Timeline End Year : | 2025 |
Contact info : | faizgeology@gmail.com |
Details
Executive Summary : | Oceanic Anoxic Events (OAEs) are a phenomenon that occur in various geological periods worldwide due to factors such as global tectonics, volcanism, asteroid impact, gas hydrate dissociation, changing ocean circulations, and eustatic sea-level rise due to abrupt global temperature rise. These OAEs modulated the hydrological cycle, causing greater nutrient delivery to the oceans. Several significant OAE episodes occurred during the Mesozoic period, with the Jurassic period being distinguished by a greenhouse climate with elevated CO2 levels, disturbance of the carbon cycle, and significant marine biological changes. The Jurassic–Cretaceous period was marked by high productivity and bottom water anoxia, evidenced by the presence of a large thickness of organic matter-rich strata. However, paleo-oceanographic conditions during the Jurassic in India are poorly studied, particularly the Jurassic strata of Jaisalmer Basin. The temperature changes throughout Earth's history, including the Jurassic period, have been reconstructed using stable oxygen isotope studies of fossil shells. Recent studies have documented several warming and cooling episodes within the Jurassic, in contrast to an overall prolonged warm greenhouse model. Paleo-biological, carbon isotopic, and trace element geochemical studies of marine carbonate rocks and fossil shells provide vital information on climate, productivity, paleo-redox condition, and nutrient delivery to the Jurassic ocean and the environmental changes on continents. The present work aims to conduct detailed trace element geochemical and C-O isotopic studies on carbonate and fossil shells of the Jaisalmer Formation to understand the paleo-redox condition, carbon-cycling, and paleo-temperature of the ocean during the Bajocian-Tithonian period. |
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